Earlier this week, Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, hosted an event in Washington to mark the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The law has played a key role in supporting children with disabilities by providing access to education and resources for teachers and parents.
At the event, Cassidy spoke about IDEA’s influence on educational opportunities for children with disabilities. He highlighted his legislative efforts aimed at strengthening IDEA, including a bipartisan resolution recognizing the law’s anniversary and the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, which seeks to improve early screening for dyslexia. Cassidy said he is leading efforts in Congress to raise child literacy rates and ensure students have necessary resources.
“IDEA established the fundamental truth that every child deserves equal access to a quality education,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Congress should pass my IDEA resolution and 21st Century Dyslexia Act to expand children with disabilities’ access to the resources they need to reach their full potential.”
Other speakers at the event included Senator Chris Van Hollen, lead sponsor of the resolution marking IDEA’s 50 years; Senator Maggie Hassan; Jeanne Allen from the Center for Education Reform; Dr. Laura Cassidy of Louisiana Key Academy Public Charter School; Liz Weintraub from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities; and Jeff Skowronek from Pepin Academies.
For further updates from HELP Republicans, information can be found on their website or Twitter account @GOPHELP.
